Premier League Rumors: Hakim Ziyech Move To Chelsea Already A Done Deal

Chelsea FC is already preparing for its future with reports that they have acquired Ajax star Hakim Ziyech. Though some personal terms still need to be ironed out, the 26-year-old attacking midfielder is expected to be on the Blues side starting July 1.

The deal is already official after both Chelsea and Ajax confirmed the transaction. The Blues will pay €40 million for the Dutch-born Morocco international with fees expected to increase depending on various sports criteria. It also marks the first official signing of Frank Lampard as Stamford Bridge boss, Goal.com reported.

Chelsea has also released a statement, informing fans of what to expect for Ziyech. The Blues are pretty confident about what the 26-year-old brings, stressing that he possesses awareness on the ball and someone who is capable of executing nifty passes that will break down the defense of opposing teams. Most of that should be seen by July 1.

For now, the 2018 Dutch Footballer of the Year will finish the current season in Amsterdam. Chelsea was actually working on acquiring Ziyech as early as the January transfer window but negotiations failed to prosper, PA Media reported. That added to the frustrations of Lampard although recent developments should finally give him a sigh of relief.

Ziyech has scored 49 goals across 160 official matches for Ajax and boasts eight goals and an incredible 21 assists across all competitions in the 2019-20 season so far. Tied up to the money involved is the £150 million from Eden Hazard’s big-money transfer to Real Madrid last summer. Apparently, Lampard plans to use some of those funds to beef up his young squad.

"I have known for a long time what Hakim wants. He has a picture in mind. He knows exactly which clubs he finds interesting and which not. Chelsea is a fantastic club. When it is final, I am very happy for Hakim, and I am very proud of it," said Ajax boss Erik ten Hag via telegraaf.nl.

Aside from Ziyech, Chelsea was linked to several other players back in January. Among the names mentioned included Edinson Cavani and Dries Mertens. The Blues failure to infuse new blood became frustrating for Lampard although things may have just taken a turn for the best.